Pope Francis champions the Church of martyrs over wealth
- This is the Church of martyrs. This Church triumphs, not the Church that has money in the bank - said Francis. Vatican media have just released a previously unpublished interview with the Pope, recorded in 2021.
What do you need to know?
- In a 2021 interview, Pope Francis opposed the vision of a Church that has money deposited in banks.
- He emphasized the importance of the "Church of martyrs."
- The interview was conducted for the television channel of the association "El Sembrador, Nueva Evangelizacion" from the USA and published by Vatican media.
What was Pope Francis' stance on Church finances?
In the 2021 interview, Pope Francis expressed strong opposition to the vision of a Church that accumulates money in banks.
- Christian martyrs, martyrs who, just because they are Christians, are beheaded while professing Jesus. Martyrs are in prison for professing Jesus. These are our brothers. This is the Church of martyrs. This Church triumphs, not the Church that has money in the bank - with these words, Francis emphasized that true victory lies in testimony and martyrdom, not in material wealth.
Francis on his weaknesses
In the conversation, Pope Francis also spoke about his role in the Church.
- I feel that the Lord accompanies me, that He chooses, He started this history. He began, invited me, accompanies me. And despite my unfaithfulness, because I am a sinner like Peter, He does not abandon me. Therefore, I feel He takes care of me - confessed the Pope.
He emphasized that "Peter is the rock as long as he relies on the word of Jesus."
Unknown interview: this is what Francis said a few years ago
Francis also reminded us that Jesus always calls his priests from among the people.
- If Peter forgot his roots, he would betray Jesus' plan; he would create an elite. No, the shepherd must be with the sheep. (…) Jesus anoints the bishop, the priest, to be a shepherd, not to promote him as head of an office - said the Pope.
As Vatican News explains, the interview was conducted for a documentary film.
It portrays the Pope as a leader who focuses on spiritual values and testimony, rather than material wealth.
